Victim/Witness Assistance Program
Free, confidential help for crime victims and witnesses in Sussex County, Virginia.
You Are Not Alone
Through the Commonwealth's Attorney's Victim/Witness Assistance Program, advocates are available to help if you are the victim or witness of a crime committed in Sussex County. Services are confidential and free of charge.
A crime victim is any adult or child who has suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm as a direct result of a crime. The Victim/Witness Assistance Program also assists the surviving family members of homicide victims. Additionally, assistance to victims of identity theft is available both locally and through the Office of the Attorney General.
The Victim/Witness Assistance Program, in coordination with other services such as the Family Violence Sexual Assault Unit & Child Advocacy Center of Emporia/Greensville and The James House located in Prince George County, helps survivors of all types of violent crimes, including:
- Adult physical and sexual violence
- Serious child physical abuse or neglect
- Child sexual abuse
- Elder abuse
- Stalking
- Human trafficking
- Shooting or stabbing
- Vehicular crimes involving injuries, especially those involving alcohol/drug use by the offender
Kortni B. Ivey, MPA
Victim Witness Director
- Sussex County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office
20209 Thorton Square
Waverly, VA 23890 - (434) 246-1085
- (434) 246-2630
- [email protected]
Services We Provide
Case Status Notification
Victims are kept informed about the status of their case, including court dates, hearings, and case outcomes throughout the criminal justice process.
Rights & Information
We explain the rights of crime victims under Virginia law and ensure those rights are honored at every stage of the legal process.
Crisis Intervention
Immediate support and referrals are available for victims in crisis, connecting them with local and state resources for safety and recovery.
Court Accompaniment
Our staff can accompany victims to court proceedings, providing a supportive presence and helping them understand what to expect.
Referral Services
We connect victims with community resources including counseling, shelter, financial assistance, and other support services.
Restitution Assistance
We assist victims in understanding and pursuing restitution from offenders for losses suffered as a result of the crime.
Protective Orders
A protective order is a legal document issued by a magistrate or a judge to help you protect yourself, your children, and/or other family or household members from someone who is hurting you or causing you fear. It is a legal tool to help protect against future violence, force, or threats; it is not a shield. Survivors are in the most danger immediately after leaving the abusive relationship.
The person requesting the protective order is referred to as the petitioner. The person from whom the petitioner is seeking protection is the respondent. You should bring the respondent's home and work address with you when filing for a protective order.
Petitions can be requested without an attorney and there is no fee to file the petition. You are not required to file criminal charges in order to request a protective order.
Protection begins once the respondent is personally served with the order. Per Virginia Code section §18.2-308.1:4, a person subject to a permanent family abuse protective order cannot possess or transport a firearm for 24 hours from the time the order is served.
Immediate Help
If you are in danger or afraid your abuser may harm you, contact 911 immediately.
Protective Orders
Learn about your options for obtaining a protective order in Virginia. Click each section to expand.
Victims' Bill of Rights
Per the Virginia Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act, the Victims' Bill of Rights includes, but is not limited to:
Protection
- Protective order assistance
- Separate waiting rooms
- Safety planning
- Confidentiality of personal information
Financial Assistance
- Virginia Victims Fund (VVF) application assistance (medical, counseling, funeral or other crime-related expenses)
- Restitution assistance
- Property return from police
Referrals
- Referral to Social Services
- Referral to community resources
- Travel and lodging arrangements for subpoenaed witnesses (as allowed by the Supreme Court)
- Travel, lodging and meal reimbursements for subpoenaed witnesses (as allowed by the Supreme Court)
Notices
- Case status information
- Court date and bond hearing notification
- Registration for offender custody updates with local jails — VINE
- Help with crime-related creditor, employer or school issues
- Confidentiality of personal information
- Notifications — DOC, AG, Parole (in cases prior to 1995)
Victim Input
- Assistance talking with prosecutor about your case
- Information and updates regarding plea agreements
- The right to remain in the courtroom
- Victim impact statements (assistance, preparation and submission)
Courtroom Assistance
- Criminal justice process explanation and support
- Escort to court
- Assistance preparing for court (tips for testifying)
- Courtroom tours
- Interpreters or assistance meeting other special needs
Post-Case Services
- Appeal information and updates
- Final sentencing information
- Registration for inmate custody updates through the Virginia Department of Corrections
- Assistance in resolving problems with offender non-compliance while in custody
- Victim/offender dialogue
- Victim Impact Programming
- Notification and support regarding offender parole hearings
For more information about your rights, contact the Victim/Witness Assistance Program at (434) 246-1085.
Victim Impact Statement
As a victim of a serious crime, you have the right to submit a written victim impact statement to express how a crime has impacted you and others close to you.
What Is a Victim Impact Statement?
This statement allows you to write about the physical, emotional and financial effects of the crime, as well as any other major life changes resulting from the crime. Sometimes the victim impact statement is in writing. Other times, it may be a statement made in person in the courtroom.
A victim impact statement is a tool used in sentencing that gives you a voice. After an offender is convicted, the judge can order a presentence report prepared by a probation and parole officer to assist in determining the offender's punishment. This report focuses on the crime, the offender's background, and any criminal history for the offender. The victim impact statement is part of the presentence report.
If you choose to submit a victim impact statement, it will become part of the official court record. Your statement will be read by the judge, prosecutor, probation officer and defense attorney. The offender will also be able to read what you have written. No personal contact information is included in the victim impact statement. Your victim advocate can answer questions about or help you prepare your victim impact statement.
How to Write Your Statement
- Before writing a victim impact statement, determine if you qualify as the victim in the case.
- Write or type clearly and concisely, use additional paper if necessary, and make your statement readable in about five minutes.
- Be as detailed as possible as you discuss characteristics of your life before the crime (list specific examples).
- Discuss your feelings during the crime.
- Discuss characteristics of your life after the crime (list specific examples).
Use the word associated with the crime. As difficult as it may be, use the word associated with the crime. For example, if you are raped, use this word; do not minimize what happened by merely describing the offense as an assault. If someone dear to you was murdered, use this word; do not minimize what happened by describing the offense as a death.
!What NOT to Include
- Do not repeat evidence already presented or discuss new evidence not presented at trial.
- Do not libel the defendant or defense attorney.
- Do not tell the judge how you think the defendant should be sentenced.
Need help preparing your victim impact statement? Contact your victim advocate at (434) 246-1085.
Giving Testimony
Tips for giving testimony to help you feel prepared and confident in the courtroom.
Be Prepared
Try to recall what happened and picture the scene and the objects there. Don't try to memorize your testimony; simply be prepared to tell what happened in your own words. Have dates, times, places, and other details clear in your mind. Photos and/or medical records pertinent to your case need to be brought to court.
Dress Appropriately
Your attire should be courtroom appropriate — clean, conservative and well-groomed. Dress the way you would to go to a job interview or to church. Wear dress pants, collared shirts, conservative blouses, and dresses/skirts that fall at a professional length. No jeans or shorts.
Be Prepared to Wait
Our courts are busy and handle many cases every day. Occasionally a witness may be requested to remain nearby for a period of time. Bring something to occupy your time until your case is heard. No cell phones, Smart-watches, or other electronic devices are allowed in the courthouse.
Tell the Truth
Don't pause and try to figure out if your answer will hurt or help the case. Don't try to "argue" your point, dodge questions to avoid problem areas, or place any type of "spin" on your version of the facts. Just answer truthfully and to the best of your knowledge. Never, ever, guess at an answer. "I don't know" or "I don't remember" are perfectly acceptable answers and far preferable to a half truth or a wild guess. Never attempt to answer a question that you don't fully understand.
Speak Clearly and Loudly
Present your testimony clearly, slowly, and loudly enough so that the juror farthest away can easily hear and understand everything you say. An inaudible voice detracts from your testimony and may make the court think that you are not certain of what you are saying.
Be Conscientious
Be aware of what you say and how you say it. Be concise and act seriously and respectfully. Court is not the forum for speaking out of turn, laughing, or using complex jargon, slang terms, or clichés. Respond orally to questions.
Answer Only the Questions Asked
Listen carefully to the full question and take your time in answering it. If you do not understand a question, ask that it be explained. Do not volunteer information and remember to stop immediately if the judge interrupts or an attorney objects to a question. Do not speak again until you are instructed to do so.
Modify Your Statement if Needed
We all misspeak on occasion. If you believe that your statement did not accurately reflect your experience, ask to correct it as soon as possible. Getting flustered on the stand is perfectly normal.
Avoid Talking in Absolutes
Unless you clearly remember something in detail and could not be mistaken, avoid saying things such as, "That is everything that happened." Human memory can be tricky. Use phrases such as, "That is what I remember from the event right now." Do not exaggerate or make overly broad statements that you may have to correct.
Be Courteous
Do not lose your temper. When a witness loses his/her temper, they have placed themselves at the mercy of the cross-examiner and potentially harmed the credibility of the testimony. Try to remain calm and don't act antagonistic — you are letting your emotions interfere with your testimony. Fighting with opposing counsel is never effective. Do not engage.
Remember That Etiquette Extends Beyond the Testimony
After being excused, avoid saying anything about your time on the stand. Once the case is resolved you can talk about what happened.
Have questions about testifying? Contact the Victim/Witness Assistance Program at (434) 246-1085.
Need Assistance?
If you are a crime victim or witness and need support, please contact our Victim Witness Director directly. We are here to help.